My Favorite Memories of My Mom

This Sunday is Mother's Day, and it got me thinking about some of my favorite memories of my mother. First of all, I had the most perfect childhood. I always knew I was loved, protected and safe.

Both of my parents always set the example of being hard-working, loving, generous and forgiving. They live their lives like that and in return, they are loved by so many. I saw this example from the time I was born, and I still see it now at the age of 49. I know I'm extremely fortunate, and I thank God for them everyday. By the way, my parents have been married for 54 years this November. What a feat, right!?

But back to my favorite memories of my sweet mother. There were four of us kids in the house, with always one or two more people living with us at any given time, so you can imagine how "crazy" it was around the house.

I remember like it was yesterday, my mother baking dozens and dozens of cupcakes for all of our PTA fundraisers. I was so proud of the cupcakes that my mother made. It was a big deal, and everybody would rush to buy my mother's cupcakes because they were so delicious and fancy. Seems like a small memory now, but whenever I see a cupcake, it makes me smile.

I was involved in theatre from the age of 6, and when I entered high school, that involvement kicked in to "high gear." There were productions throughout the year, UIL competitions and a lot of late nights. My patient and I'm sure, extremely "tired" mother would have to shuttle me back and forth. I know that that had to have been a pain with all the other things she had to do with my brothers and sister. But she did it, and I don't remember her ever complaining about it. My mother always supported whatever I wanted to do and be involved in. What a blessing!

My mother was like a "mama lion" when it came to her children. Nobody could say a cross word about her kids, or she would spring into action, if you know what I mean. Anyway, I was in junior high and my mother dropped me and my cousin off at the Longview mall for the day to shop and meet up with friends.

We were on the hunt for swimsuits. (I always took my cousin shopping with me, because she would tell me if I looked fat or not!) So we tried on swimsuits and had a fun time. As were going to meet my mother, a mall security stopped us and took us to the mall office. We had no idea what was going on. Well, they immediately looked through our shopping bags and purses. Evidently, someone had accused us of stealing. Of course, I had a fit and told them we were supposed to be meeting up with my mother.

To make a long story short, my mother came in there and let those people have it. She told them which end was up. She became that "Mama Lion!" Of course, we did not steal anything, so they let us go. (Without an apology by the way.) My mother never even asked us if we had stolen anything, she had faith that we had not. I have never been so proud and vindicated in my life.

OK, here's the good part -- as we were getting in the car, my Mother still fuming mad, she looks in the rearview mirror to back out of the parking space, and spots bird poop in her hair. Yes, bird poop. She had told off the entire Longview mall manager, security guard and everybody else that was around, with bird poop in her hair. Priceless!

To know that your mother loves you that much and will stand between you and your enemies, no matter what, is a feeling like no other. Thank you, Mama, for loving me unconditional and for showing me, trough actions and words, that I am truly loved, no matter what. You are my dearest friend, and I am proud to call you my Mother.

This Sunday, make sure you let your Mother know how much she is cherished and loved. Happy Mother's Day.